About the Book:
In the spring of 1861, a country once united
is fractured by war. Half of America fights for the Confederate cause; the
other, for unification. Rebel forces have already seized Fort Morgan and Fort
Gaines, a new Confederate president has been elected, and the Constitution has
been revised. In north Alabama, a farmer and father of three decides to enlist.
For Hiram Summers, it is the end of everything he has ever known.
My Review:
I read a non-fiction book about the Civil War about two months back. So, when I was approached to read and review this book, I accepted promptly. Having just read the history, I thought it would be interesting to see a more humane point of view of the war.
Plot:
It revolves around Summers family and how the war affects them. With Hiram, the head of the family enlisting, his wife and son are left behind to take care of the farm. We see war action and family drama in the same book.
Characters:
Well developed and balanced characters. They are easy to relate to.
Narrative:
The author has done a great job in describing both settings and emotions.
Overall:
The one thing that I have to credit the author right away for is the fact that the book feels real. Fiction based off true events has the potential to emotionally engage readers. But in many cases I find that authors over do things in order to commercialize the book and in such cases those books lose the feel of authenticity. J.D.R.Hawkins has managed to keep the book interesting through her many characters, the plot and the setting. The book transports you right into the thick of things with just enough action and drama to hold the interest of the reader. Her narrative adds to the overall impression of the book.
About the Author:
J.D.R. Hawkins is an award-winning author who has written for newspapers, magazines, newsletters, e-zines, and blogs. She is one of a few female Civil War authors, uniquely describing the front lines from a Confederate perspective.
Her Renegade Series includes A Beautiful Glittering Lie, A Beckoning Hellfire, and A Rebel Among Us. All three novels are award winners, and tell the story of a family from north Alabama who experience immeasurable pain when their lives are dramatically changed by the war. Ms. Hawkins is a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the International Women’s Writing Guild, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and Pikes Peak Writers. She is also an artist and singer/songwriter. Ms. Hawkins is currently working on a nonfiction book about the War Between the States, as well as another sequel to her series.
Contact the Author:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Goodreads * Amazon
After Hiram travels to Virginia with the
Fourth Alabama Infantry Regiment, he is quickly thrust into combat. His son,
David, who must stay behind, searches for adventure at home by traipsing to
Huntsville with his best friend, Jake Kimball, to scrutinize invading Yankees.
Meanwhile, Caroline – Hiram’s wife and David’s mother – struggles to keep up
with the farm as her world revolves around the letters she receives from her
husband, whom she misses dearly. As Hiram and his son discover the true meaning
of war, they soon realize that their choices have torn their family apart.
In this historical tale, the naïveté of a
young country is tested, a father sacrifices everything to defend his home, and
a young man longs for adventure – regardless of the perilous cost.
Winner of the 2013 John Esten Cooke Fiction
Award
2012 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree
Winner of Editor’s Choice Award
Honorable Mention – 2013 DIY Book Festival
Honorable Mention – 2012 Los Angeles Book
Festival
Civil war tore families apart, and many of
those families fought to stay together every step of the way. "A Beautiful
Glittering Lie" is a novel of the American Civil War, as J.D.R. Hawkins
writes of the Summers family and the rift the war brought to their family.
Drawing on her heritage to tell the tale, Hawkins presents an insightful and
riveting read of a family at war. "A Beautiful Glittering Lie" is a
strong pick for historical fiction collections. ~ Able Greenspan- Reviewer, Midwest
Book Review
My Review:
I read a non-fiction book about the Civil War about two months back. So, when I was approached to read and review this book, I accepted promptly. Having just read the history, I thought it would be interesting to see a more humane point of view of the war.
Plot:
It revolves around Summers family and how the war affects them. With Hiram, the head of the family enlisting, his wife and son are left behind to take care of the farm. We see war action and family drama in the same book.
Characters:
Well developed and balanced characters. They are easy to relate to.
Narrative:
The author has done a great job in describing both settings and emotions.
Overall:
The one thing that I have to credit the author right away for is the fact that the book feels real. Fiction based off true events has the potential to emotionally engage readers. But in many cases I find that authors over do things in order to commercialize the book and in such cases those books lose the feel of authenticity. J.D.R.Hawkins has managed to keep the book interesting through her many characters, the plot and the setting. The book transports you right into the thick of things with just enough action and drama to hold the interest of the reader. Her narrative adds to the overall impression of the book.
💓💓💓💓💓
About the Author:
Her Renegade Series includes A Beautiful Glittering Lie, A Beckoning Hellfire, and A Rebel Among Us. All three novels are award winners, and tell the story of a family from north Alabama who experience immeasurable pain when their lives are dramatically changed by the war. Ms. Hawkins is a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the International Women’s Writing Guild, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and Pikes Peak Writers. She is also an artist and singer/songwriter. Ms. Hawkins is currently working on a nonfiction book about the War Between the States, as well as another sequel to her series.
Contact the Author:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Goodreads * Amazon
